Rat guard



June 27, 1950 E. H. cARDl-:R ET AL 2,513,141

IN VEN TOR! EARL/5H CARDER Lawns/veg H. Cao/q 741m my@ TTOENE YS.

June 27, 1950 E. H. cARDER ETAL RAT GUARD 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Aug. 51, 19.45

INVENTORS EMIL h.' CARDER lfwwc /l-Cook Patented June 27, 1950 RAT GUARD Earle H. Garder and Lawrence H.. Cook, Menlo Park, Calif.

Application August 31, 1945, Serial No. 613,820

7 Claims.

This invention relates to rat guards of the type adapted to, be clamped on the mooring lines of a ship tol prevent rats from boarding or leaving the ship by way of the mooring lines. While many different kinds of devices of this Character have been designed, all of these with wh-ich We are familiar have one or more undesirable features that make them awkward to apply and remove, expensiveI to manufacture, or lacking in durability.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a rat guard that is easy to handle when applying it. to or removingit from a mooring line, and that may be quickly manipulated for these purposes, andl also one which the rats cannot passwhen going, in one direction which is generally from the ship to the Wharf.

Another object of the invention is toA provide a rat guard that is adapted, Without adjustment, to be applied quickly and easily to mooring lines of various diameters.

Another object of the invention is to provide a rat guard that is constructed from inexpensive parts that, are easily assembled during manufacture.

Still another object of the invention is to provide a rat guard that is durable in service and that will occupy a minimum amount of storage space.

Additional objects and advantages of theinvention will become apparent from the following detailed description, of one preferred embodiment thereof,` taken in conjunction with thel accompanying drawings in which:

Fig. 1 isa front elevation of a device embodyingthe invention showing it appliedA to a mooring line that is illustrated in section.

Fig. 2, isa fragmentary view showing a portion oi?l Fig. 1 on an enlarged scale, certain parts being broken away for clarity.

Fig. 3 is a sectional view taken along line 3-3 @i Fige 1 but. omitting the mooring line.

Fig. 4 is ar front elevational View of one of the elements of the guard.

Fig. 5 is a front: elevational View of another of the elements of the guard.

The illustrated embodiment of the invention is generally disk-shaped in composite outline and comprises three.y main parts that are constructed of: sheet metal, each resembling in individual outline a portion cut from a disk and having substantially; one outer arcuate edge. For; converb i'ence these three parts will be reierred to in the following description as disk segments.

The assembly illustrated in Figs. 1 to 3, as

2 viewed in Fig. 1, comprises a large left. handv disk segment IU. and a similar right hand disk segment Il that are independently pivotally mounted on a smaller intermediate disk segment I2 by a pair of rivet-like pins I3 and I4, the three. disk-segments being normally disposed in mutually partially overlapped relation with their outer arcuate edge portions aligned to form a complete circle. The three disk segments have configurations such that when they are disposed together as illustrated an aperture I5 is left in the center of the assembly to accommodate a mooring line I6. Each of the disk segments is provided With a transversely extending gripping plate I'I that is secured to an inner arcuate edge portion of the disk segment forming a part of the. boundary of the aperture I5. The three gripping plates I'I provide bearings surfaces in contactV with the mooring line I6. along a substantial length thereof. Y

secured at one end to the left hand disk I0 by a pin 20 and the opposite end of said spring is secured to the right hand disk II by a pivot 2|, said pins 20, 2I being positioned above the opening I5 and along adjacent edges of disks. t0, II and above a line connecting rivets` i3, |74. The tension on the spring= I8 is such that ther legs of the spring tend to move apart thus yieldably urging the lower portions of the disks Ill, II to overlapping relationship and urging the gripping plates I1 thereon and on plate I2 toward the center of aperture I5 and into tight gripping engagement with the mooring line I6.

Apair of handles 23 ad 24 are respectively secured to the left and right hand disksV segments I!) and I I in the regions Where they overlap the intermediate disk segment I2. Thus, movement of the handles 23 and 24 toward each other causes the left and right hand disk segments to rotate in opposite directions about their respective pin mounting I3 and Ill; and this, in turn, causes the adjacent edges of the lett` andJ right hand disk segments that, are normally in overlapped relation to become separated suiciently topermit the mooring line I6 to pass therebetweenior' applying the device to or removing it from the mooring line. This rotation of the left and right hand disk segments is opposed` by the springs |.8 until the pins 20, 2l move below a straightline extending through pivots I3, I4 at which time the spring tends to move the disk segments to fully separated position (Fig. 2). and to hold them so separated until the handles are moved toward each other and the pins 2l), 2l are abovesaid line.

An inverted U-shaped leaf spring I8 is pivotally When the device does not having a mooring line passing through the central aperture therein, and no restraint is applied to the handles 23 and 24, the spring I8 causes the left and right hand disk segments to rotate into positions of greater overlap with each other than is shown in Fig. 1, thus reducing the size of the central aperture I5. As the handles 23 and 24 are moved toward each other for separating the normally overlapped edges of the left and right hand disk segments, the central aperture I becomes progressively larger; and between positions of maximum and minimum overlap of the left and right hand disk segments,

a considerable variation in the size of the central able range of sizes without requiring any special adjustment, a characteristic that is desirable both from the viewpoint of the manuafacturer and of the user of the device.

In order to maintain the three disk. segments I0, II and I2 more rigidly in alignment and to counteract a tendency of the device to twist open on mooring lines of certain sizes, oppositely disposed, overlapping ears 25 and 26 are provided on the left and right hand disk segments IIJ and I I, respectively, and a pin and slot connection is made between the two ears. For this purpose a pin 21 (Fig. 2) is rigidly secured in an aperture in the ear 26 of the right hand disk segment II, and a slot 28 is provided in the ear 25 of the left hand disk segment ID. The pin 21 projects through the slot 28 in the ear 26 of the right hand disk segment and is held therein by a rivetlike head on the pin.

As the disk segments I0 and II are rotated in the manner described above `from the positions illustrated in Figs. 1 and 2, either to open the device or to close it further, the pin 21 moves in the same direction along the slot 28, the length of the slot 28 being made great enough to accommodate the desired extreme positions of the disk segments and the opening of both disk segments is assured should one tend to stick to the mooring line. Y Y

The disk segments I0, II and I2, described generally above, are illustrated more clearly in Figs. 45 and their individual construction will now be. described with greater particularity.

As shown in Fig. 5 the intermediate disk segment I2 comprises a fan shaped sheet of metal having an outer arcuate edge 3l and two adjoining straight edges 32 and 33 that may be reinforced in any suitable manner if so desired. The inner arcuate edge 35 generally corresponds in curvature to a segment of a circle having a dia-meter similar to that of the mooring line I6 and edges 32, 33 connect with the ends of such edge 35 at their convergent ends. A pair of holes 36 and 31 are drilled or punched through the segment I2 to accommodate the pins I3and I4 upon which the left and right hand disk segments I0 and II are pivotally mounted, and one of the gripping plates I1, as previously described, is secured on inner edge 35.

As shown in Fig. 4 the left hand disk segment I0 comprises a, sheet of metal having an arcuate edgedl and an adjoining straight edge 42 that may be rolled around a length of wire 43 (Fig. 3) to give added stiiness to the sheet. A hole 46 is drilled or punched through the disk segment I0 to accommodate the pin I3 on which the left hand disk segment I0 is pivotally mounted. One of the-gripping plates` I1 and the pin 20 are also mounted on the left hand disk segment IB, as

mentioned above, in any suitable manner. The handle 23 for this disk segment, that may conveniently consist of a. length of rolled steel channel, is also secured on the disk segment Il).

As shown in Figs. l, 2, 4, taken together, the left and right hand disk segments I0 and Il are substantially identical in outline but are otherwise substantially opposite in coniiguration, with certain minor structural differences. The structural features of the latter that differ from the former are clearly shown in Figs. 1, 2. The right hand disk segment I I, like the left hand disk segment I0, comprises a sheet of metal. A hole is provided to accommodate the pin I4 on which the right hand disk ysegment is mounted, the hole occupying a position corresponding to that of the hole 45 in the left hand disk segment. Instead of a slot 28 in the ear 26 the pin 21 is provided, as mentioned above. One of the gripping plates I1, the pin 2| and the handle 24, also previousll referred to, are mounted on the right hand disk segment II in positions opposite the positions of the corresponding parts of the left hand disk segment I0.

Though the thickness of the stock from which the three disk segments are constructed is obviously not limited to any precise range of dimensions for an assembly of any given diameter, it is important that it be suicient to produce a reasonably rigid assembly and any reinforcement may be used if desired.

The outline of the disks I0, Il has been described with respect to their curved edges 4I. The straight edges 42 along their overlapping portions and extending vertically downwardly below aperture I5 when the device is on the mooring line are substantially parallel. The edges 41 along which handles 23, 24 extend are suiiiciently divergent in direction away from aperture I5 to enable the disks I0, Il to be swung apart sufficiently to receive the mooring line in said aperture lbetween spaced edges 45. However, these edges 41 also extend generally vertical.`

Ears 25, 26 are closely adjacent the central aperture I5 although spaced sufficiently to not interfere with the mooring line I6 in placing the rat guard on such line or in removing it from the line.

In positioning the device on a mooring line, the operator first moves handles 23, 24 toward each other until the spring I8 automatically'will hold disks IIl, Il in open position. Then the operator need merely place the device on the mooring line free from any strain on him in holding the disks IIJ, II apart. After the device is where'the operator wishes it to stay, he merely moves the handles toward each other until the force of spring I8 causes the disks I0, I I, I2 to snap to closed position with gripping members I1 tightly gripping the mooring line.

The pin and slot connection between the projecting ears 25 and 26 of the left and right hand disk segments I0 and I I causes both of these disk segments to pivot simultaneously with respect to the intermediate disk segment I2. 'This' assists in disrupting any tendency of one of the gripping plates I1 on the left or right, hand' disk 'segment to stick to a mooring line when the device is `being removed therefrom, since both of these gripping plates are simultaneously moved with respect to the third gripping plate onI the intermediate disk segment I2, from which the mooring line can be freed by pulling on the handles 23 and 24. The pin and slot connection also adds rigidity tothe assembly and assists in preventing the device from twisting open while it is in place on amooring lin-e.

In order to insure against the tendency of the segment I2 to become distorted under the tension of spring I8 in operating the device, a channel strip 48 is provided to which one of the ends of rivets I3, I4 may be secured. This strip is formed with a central bridge section 49 spaced outwardly of` .the disk segments to permit the spring I8 to pass thereunder (Fig. 2) in opening and closing the.device. Y

Where the device shown is used on rather small mooring lines, the overlap along the adjacent edges of the segments I0, I I may be greater than is shown in Fig. 1 and in order to prevent interference between the rolled outer edges of said segments, it is preferable to shorten the distance between the `outer edge of segment I I adjacent the overlap as indicated at 50 (Fig. 1) so that the said outer edge of segment II at point 50 will clear the rolled outer edge of segment I0.

It is highly i-mportant to note that the straight edges 32, 33 of segment I2 extend more nearly horizontal than vertical and that these edges are directed downwardly. Thus when the rat guard lis positioned on a mooring line with the segment I2 nearest the ship, it is impossible for a rat to pass the guard inasmuch as the rat cannot gain a toehold alongthe edges 32, 33 or any other edges that are on his side of the guard. The rat is faced with a smooth wall that it cannot climb. Were the edges 32, 33 more nearly verticalor were there any irregularities in such edges, the rat might find it possible to get over the guard but the structure herein described makes this impossible.

We claim:

1. A rat guard adapted to be attached to a mooring line comprising three plates normally disposed in substantially parallel planes in mutually partially overlapped relation and forming in composite outline a disk having a generally circular aperture therethrough partially bounded by each of said plates and adapted to accommodate a mooring line, two of said plates being independently mounted on a third of said plates for pivotal movement with respect thereto about axes normal to the planes of all of said plates whereby adjacent overlapped portions of the pivotally mounted plates may be separated to permit a mooring line to he passed therebetween into position in said aperture, and spring means acting between said pivotally mounted plates for yieldably holding the latter against separation of their adjacent overlapped portions and the portions of said third plate that overlaps a portion of each of said two plates extending generally horizontally when the portions of said two plates that overlap each other extend vertically downwardly.

2. A rat guard adapted to be attached to a mooring line comprising three plates normally disposed in substantially parallel planes in mutually partially overlapped relation and forming in composite outline a disk having a circular aperture therethrough partially bounded by each of said plates and adapted to accommodate a mooring line, two of said plates being independently mounted on a third of said plates for pivotal movement with respect thereto about axes normal to the planes of all of said plates, whereby adjacent overlapped portions of the pivotally mounted plates may be separated to permit a mooring line to be passed therebetween into position in said aperture, and spring means acting between sadpilvotally mounted plates for yieldably urging the latter toward positions of greater overlapped relation with each other the overlapping portions of said plates being along three substantially equally spaced straight lines extending radially from said aperture with the portionsl of said two plates that overlap each other extending vertically downwardly from said mooring line when the guard is on the latter.

3. A ratjguard adapted to be attached to a mooring line comprising three plates normally disposed inmutually partially overlapped relation with their overlapped portions substantially in `surface-tris-surface contact, said plates being so shaped'that they ferm a substantially annular composite' 'outline with portions of each plate constituting partsl of both the inner and outer edges of the annulus', two of said lplates being independently mounted on a third of said plates for pivotal movement with respect thereto about airesl normal to the planes of all of said plates, said third plate being uppermost when the guard is in 'use withthe' portions thereof that are in overlapping relation to said two plates extending generally laterally and oppositely outwardly from the inner edges of said annulus, whereby adjacent overlapped portions of the pivotally mounted plates may' be separated to permit a lmooring line to be passed therebetween into the aperture of the annulus, and spring means yieldably holding the pivotally mounted plates in their normally overlapped relation.

llL A.' rat guard adapted to be attached to a 'mooring line comprising three plates normally disposed in mutually partially overlapped relation with their overlapped portions substantially in surface-to-surface contact, said plates being so shaped that they form a substantially annular composite outline with portions of each plate constituting parts of both the inner and outer edges of the annulus, two of said plates being independently mounted on a third oi said plates for pivotal movement with respect thereto about axes normal to the planes of all of said plates whereby adjacent overlapped portions of the pivotally mounted plates may be separated to permit a mooring line to be passed therebetween into the aperture of the annulus, said pivotally mounted plates being respectively provided with ears that project into mutually overlapped relation and are joined by a pin and slot connection adapted to cause the pivotally mounted plates to pivot together in opposite directions, and spring means acting between said pivotally mounted plates for yieldably urging them toward positions of greater overlapped relation with each other.

5. A rat guard adapted to be attached to a mooring line comprising three plates normally disposed in substantially parallel planes in mutually partially overlapped relation and forming in composite outline a disk having a central aperture therethrough partially bounded by each of said plates and adapted to accommodate a mooring line, means pivotally supporting two of said plates on the third for movement of the normally overlapped portions of said two plates from overlapped closed position to a fully spaced open position and vice versa and in which open position the said last mentioned edges are spaced apart suiciently to permit passage of such mooring line between them to said aperture, means for manually causing said movement, means connected with said two plates automatically operative for holding said two plates in said closed and 7 in said ropenj positionV upon movement of said plates to saidpositions respectively.'

6.-;Afrat guard'adapted to be attached to a mooring line comprising three plates ynormally disposed in substantially parallel planes in mutually partially overlapped relation and forming in composite outline a disk having a central aperture therethrough partially bounded by each of said plates and-adapted to accommodate a mooring line, means pivotally supporting two of said plates on the third for movement of the normally overlapped portions of said two plates from overlapped closed position to a fully spaced open position and Vice versa and in which open position the said last mentioned edges are spacedapart suiciently to permit passage of such mooring line between them to said aperture, means for manually causing said movement, spring means .connected with said two plates automatically operative for holding said two plates in said closed and in said open position upon movement of said plates to said positions respectively.

7. A rat guard adapted to be attached to a mooring line comprising three plates normally disposed in substantially parallel planes in mutually partially overlapped relation and forming in composite outline a disk having a central aperture therethrough partially bounded by each of said plates and adapted to accommodate a mooring line, means pivotally supporting two of said plates on the third for movement of the normally overlapped portions of said two plates from overlapped closed position to a fully spaced open position and vice versa and in which open position the said last mentioned edges are spaced apart sufficiently to permit passage of such mooring line between them to said aperture, means for manually causing said movement, spring means connecting said two plates with each other at points on said two plates movable across a straight line connecting the pivots respectively pivotally securing said two plates to said third plate, said spring means being arranged and adapted to yieldably urge said plates to said closed position when said points are at one side of said line and to. yieldably urge said plates to open position when said points are at the opposite side of said line.

EARLE H. CARDER.

LAWRENCE H. COOK.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the iile of this patent: v

l UNITED STATES PATENTS Number 28,561 Great Britain 1910 

